Rules of Hockey

New Rules to be applied in 2015

Thu 12 Mar 2015, 1:15 PM

The following three new rules are to be implemented at Association
level for the 2015 hockey season (all BWHA full field competitions):

1. The ability to take attacking free hits, awarded within 5
metres of the edge of the circle, from the point of the offence. The change
states that the ball still has to travel at least 5 metres before it can be
played into the circle, or alternatively has to be touched by another player of
either team, other than the player taking the free hit; and

2. The second change concerns the re-start, after the ball has unintentionally
been played over the back-line by a defender or deflected by a goalkeeper or player
with goalkeeping privileges, and no goal is scored. Play will now be re-started
with the ball on the 23 metres line and in line with where it crossed the
back-line. Taking the re-start from the 23 metres line will open up the play
and give more passing options.

3. Other rule changes to help improve player safety have also
been made, including the rules governing the wearing of facemasks to defend
penalty corners which have been amended to increase player safety. A wider
range of masks, including metal grill masks, will now be allowed.

“Stick above the Shoulder” Rule:As the FIH Rule ‘stick above the shoulder’
will only be adopted at National AHL, U21, U18 and State Super League, Open
& U18 level, the rule will only be implemented on
BWHA Division 1, 2 & 3 competitions.

The latest Rules of Hockey will incorporate the following Tournament
Regulations which have been played at BWHA level for the past few years; these
rules will continue to be played at all levels of BWHA full field competition:

1.Green
Card – two minute suspension
FIH Note: The two minute green card will now provide an additional management
aid to umpires at all levels.

2.Maximum length of Stick
FIH Note: The length of stick, as measured from the top of the stick to the
bottom of the head, shall not be more than 105cm.

3.Breaking of a Penalty Corner
FIH Note: The breaking at penalty corners Regulation has effected a significant
reduction in the number of breaks at Tournaments, by both attackers and
defenders.